Product Developer, Mitchell & Ness

Fanatics Commerce•Irvine, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Fanatics Commerce is seeking a Printables Product Developer to drive domestic printed goods development from blank goods sourcing through bulk production-ready status. This role is responsible for executing the entire domestic printed goods development process, coordinating with Design, Production, and U.S.-based print vendors and factories. The Printables Product Developer will oversee development, approvals, and production-ready status across all styles within the designated product line. This role partners closely with Product Line Managers to analyze development progress, evaluate blank goods and print costing, and recommend corrective action plans when timelines are at risk. The Printables Product Developer delivers business and fan impact through BOLD leadership and execution excellence, leveraging data, automation, and AI-enabled insights.

Requirements

3–7 years of related experience in U.S. domestic printed product development, print production, or blank goods sourcing.
Technical knowledge of U.S. domestic printing methods (screen print, digital, sublimation), blank goods, fabric, trim, construction, embellishment, and product engineering.
Established relationships with, or working knowledge of, domestic blank goods suppliers and U.S.-based print vendors, along with a strong understanding of costing structures and the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Proficiency in product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, databases, and MS Office applications.
Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating a strong sense of urgency and accuracy.
Strong communication and problem-solving skills with a collaborative, team-oriented attitude.
Willingness and ability to travel to vendor partners and for quarterly partner meetings, events, and related activities as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a close working partnership with Design, serving as the knowledge partner for technical feasibility, attending presentations and meetings, and translating design vision into products that meet margin requirements.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Product Line Managers, and internal partners to ensure timely approvals, factory allocation, and resolution of quality or development risks.
Support SOP documentation, distribution, and training for internal and external partners, including serving as a subject matter expert in cross-functional SOP validation.
Ensure all printed goods development adheres to global product standards, delivering consistent quality and accuracy in every style across the designated product line.
Prepare pre-production licensing samples for approval on time, auditing each against the approved tech pack to uphold the integrity of the product reaching fans.
Monitor pre-development, proto, and SMS sample deliveries to confirm factories are hitting calendar milestones, safeguarding the on-time availability of fan-ready product.
Partner with cross-functional teams to follow up on development testing and resolve potential quality issues through a Risk Assessment covering the full design, development, and commercialization process.
Source and vet domestic blank apparel and goods, evaluating quality, pricing, minimums, and lead times to identify optimal partners and uncover cost-saving opportunities for print programs.
Apply strong working knowledge of U.S.-based printing methods — screen print, digital, sublimation, and embellishment — to guide vendor selection and production decisions.
Identify opportunities within the development and production process to increase speed, efficiency, and quality, partnering with the Director of Product Development to implement improvements.
Identify downstream impacts of changes that delay deliverables and provide solution-oriented support to cross-functional partners.
Execute against the Product Development Calendar with strict adherence, prioritizing the flow of materials, art, and tech packs to keep the entire development pipeline on track.
Manage all product data inputs across Tracker, PLM, and Box, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records, tracking, and in/out parcel coordination as part of daily operations.
Compile weekly metrics and analysis to support Product Development KPIs, informing leadership on progress and surfacing risks early.
Support preparation for seasonal key milestone meetings — including Design Handoff, Proto/Costing Review, and Go-To-Market Alignment — ensuring all necessary inputs and tools are on hand.
Apply AI and technology to improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes.
Use data and digital tools to inform decisions and enhance performance.
Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in adopting new technologies and ways of working.
Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.